It’s no secret that storytelling is at the core of marketing. Even so, few would have guessed that 2024 would go down as the year the Greater Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce would publish a children’s book named after its longtime annual event Imagine Portland.

“Last year, we made a great video with a first-person drone that flew through windows of businesses,” said Nick Rogacki of BrassBound. “I was thinking, ‘How are we going to top that?’ ”

And then he thought of something: He’d write a rhyming ode to the chamber, have it illustrated and published, then film business and community leaders reading the book to children.

“Nick came to us with this crazy idea,” said Quincy Hentzel, the regional chamber’s president and chief executive officer. “I love the theme of a welcoming community and a focus on the future of Maine – our workforce and children.”

The picture book, commissioned by the chamber and whimsically illustrated by Ally Frame, shares a child’s-eye view of the eight communities that make up the regional chamber: Scarborough, Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland and, of course, Portland.

“Maybe some other cities are bigger, richer or warm …” Rogacki writes. “But Portland’s a place that knows how to transform.”

That transformation includes continual efforts to support economic development, sustainable energy, regional transportation, affordable housing, social impact, workforce development and welcoming immigrants.

Speaking at the Imagine Portland gala June 20 at Aura, Hentzel said, “In order to be the community we imagine to be, we really need all the voices and community partners at the table. That is why we have invested in strong partnerships with organizations like The Third Place to advance racial equity and professional belonging. It’s why we partner with organizations like the United Way of Southern Maine to support the workforce behind the workforce, our childcare providers. And it’s why we partnered with (Greater Portland Council of Governments) as they hosted their first housing summit to bring local leaders together to talk about plans to build 20,000 more housing units in our region by 2030.”

True to tradition, Imagine Portland was also a time to recognize community leaders.

Adilah Muhammad, president and executive director of The Third Place, was honored for her efforts to advance equity in the business community through connections and relationship building.

Cullen Ryan, executive director of Community Housing of Maine, was honored for his work to provide inclusive, safe and affordable housing options.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital was recognized for its commitment to foster workforce development and broaden access to healthcare and affordable childcare.

Finally, Verrill partner Jim Cohen was named the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.

“I’ve spent either 14 or 16 years on boards – I’ve lost track – and have been on more committees than I can keep count of,” Cohen said. “It’s really all because I love Portland and respect the work the chamber does. The chamber convenes people, the chamber teaches us, the chamber brings us all together and the chamber helps make Portland a better place.”

Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be reached at amyparadysz@gmail.com. To order a copy of “Imagine Portland,” email chamber@portlandregion.com.